Mesenchymal Tissue Research Articles

Ligament injury in adult zebrafish triggers ECM remodeling and cell dedifferentiation for scar-free regeneration

After traumatic injury, healing of mammalian ligaments is typically associated with fibrotic scarring as opposed to scar-free regeneration. In contrast, here we show that the ligament supporting the jaw joint of adult zebrafish is capable of rapid and complete scar-free healing. Following surgical transection of the jaw joint ligament, we observe breakdown of ligament tissue adjacent to the cut sites, expansion of mesenchymal tissue within the wound site, and then remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) to a normal ligament morphology. Lineage tracing of mature ligamentocytes following transection shows that they dedifferentiate, undergo cell cycle re-entry, and contribute to the regenerated ligament. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the regenerating ligament reveals dynamic expression of ECM genes in neural-crest-derived mesenchymal cells, as well as diverse immune cells expressing the endopeptidase-encoding gene legumain. Analysis of legumain mutant zebrafish shows a requirement for early ECM remodeling and efficient ligament regeneration. Our study establishes a new model of adult scar-free ligament regeneration and highlights roles of immune-mesenchyme cross-talk in ECM remodeling that initiates regeneration.

Taste papilla cell differentiation requires the regulation of secretory protein production by ALK3-BMP signaling in the tongue mesenchyme.

Taste papillae are specialized organs, each of which comprises an epithelial wall hosting taste buds and a core of mesenchymal tissue. In the present study, we report that during early taste papilla development in mouse embryos, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling mediated by type 1 receptor ALK3 in the tongue mesenchyme is required for epithelial Wnt/β-catenin activity and taste papilla differentiation. Mesenchyme-specific knockout (cKO) of Alk3 using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre resulted in an absence of taste papillae at E12.0. Biochemical and cell differentiation analyses demonstrated that mesenchymal ALK3-BMP signaling governed the production of previously unappreciated secretory proteins, i.e. it suppressed those that inhibit and facilitated those that promote taste papilla differentiation. Bulk RNA-sequencing analysis revealed many more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tongue epithelium than in the mesenchyme in Alk3 cKO versus control. Moreover, we detected downregulated epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling and found that taste papilla development in the Alk3 cKO was rescued by the GSK3β inhibitor LiCl, but not by Wnt3a. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the requirement of tongue mesenchyme in taste papilla cell differentiation.

Targeted next-generation sequencing for detection of PIK3CA mutations in archival tissues from patients with Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome in an Asian population

BackgroundKlippel–Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare slow-flow combined vascular malformation with limb hypertrophy. KTS is thought to lie on the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, but reports are limited. PIK3CA encodes p110α, a catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) that plays an essential role in the PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in identifying PIK3CA mosaicism in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from patients with KTS.ResultsParticipants were 9 female and 5 male patients with KTS diagnosed as capillaro-venous malformation (CVM) or capillaro-lymphatico-venous malformation (CLVM). Median age at resection was 14 years (range, 5–57 years). Median archival period before DNA extraction from FFPE tissues was 5.4 years (range, 3–7 years). NGS-based sequencing of PIK3CA achieved an amplicon mean coverage of 119,000x. PIK3CA missense mutations were found in 12 of 14 patients (85.7%; 6/8 CVM and 6/6 CLVM), with 8 patients showing the hotspot variants E542K, E545K, H1047R, and H1047L. The non-hotspot PIK3CA variants C420R, Q546K, and Q546R were identified in 4 patients. Overall, the mean variant allele frequency for identified PIK3CA variants was 6.9% (range, 1.6–17.4%). All patients with geographic capillary malformation, histopathological lymphatic malformation or macrodactyly of the foot had PIK3CA variants. No genotype–phenotype association between hotspot and non-hotspot PIK3CA variants was found. Histologically, the vessels and adipose tissues of the lesions showed phosphorylation of the proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, including p-AKT, p-mTOR, and p-4EBP1.ConclusionsThe PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in mesenchymal tissues was activated in patients with KTS. Amplicon-based targeted NGS could identify low-level mosaicism from low-input DNA extracted from FFPE tissues, potentially providing a diagnostic option for personalized medicine with inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Leiomyosarcoma of Prostate: Case Report and Literature Review

Prostate sarcomas originate from the mesenchymal tissues including smooth muscle, fibromuscular stroma, paraganglia, nerves, and blood vessels. They account for less than 0.1% of all prostate tumors and often present with obstructive symptoms. It is an aggressive malignancy with a high risk of metastasis and a poor prognosis that poses unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. Histopathological examination is essential for definitive diagnosis, and can be performed at an early stage using guided transrectal prostate biopsy. Since prostate specific antigen levels are generally normal, digital rectal examinations are extremely important. We report on a 51-year-old man who was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma based on the histopathology of his transurethral prostatectomy specimen.

Effect of pore geometry on properties of high-temperature oxidized additively manufactured magnesium scaffolds

Only a few studies have examined how pore geometry affects the mechanical characteristics, biological behavior, and degradation of additively manufactured biodegradable porous magnesium. In this work, the effects of pore geometry on mechanical qualities, degradation, and biological behavior were investigated using three typical porous architectures with the same porosity. The porous structures were found to satisfy bone tissue engineering requirements because they had sufficient degradation resistance and tunable compressive characteristics. All three types of magnesium alloy scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility. Additionally, the magnesium alloy porous structures influenced the magnesium scaffold material degradation rate and the surrounding environment, impacting the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells and bone tissue regeneration. This work offers conceptual support for optimizing pore geometry to alter the mechanical and degradable characteristics of additively manufactured porous magnesium to meet therapeutic demands.

773 Desmoid Tumor in the Cecum in a Pregnant Woman

Abstract Desmoid tumors (DT) are benign growths that invade the mesenchymal tissue locally without metastasizing. Also known as aggressive fibromatosis, these tumors tend to affect the abdomen and limbs. The etiology is still unclear, but DT happens more frequently in women during or after pregnancy. Histologically, they consist of spindle cells that are damaging locally. The gold standard treatment is complete resection, however even with this DT has a high risk of local recurrence. Due to rarity and lack of specificity on imaging, spindle cell tumors can be misdiagnosed, especially with abdominal wall endometriosis. A 36-year-old woman of Bangladeshi origin, gravida 3 and para 2, was booked into the antenatal clinic at 8 weeks gestation. This patient was thought to have a fibrothecoma, with plans to resect it during her elective cesarian. The lump was seen to be on the cecum instead and was removed. Immunohistochemical analysis of the resection pointed towards a desmoid tumor. Apparent in this case was the delay in identifying the correct diagnosis for this patient, which has profound impacts on the management. This tumor was removed in a right hemicolectomy, delayed till after the cesarian. The delay was necessary as there was no consent for a hemicolectomy and the bowel was unprepared. Interestingly, the patient did present with pregnancy complications, including an unstable lie, which questions whether there is a correlation between DT and pregnancy. Due to the rarity of this disease, there is a high need for further research into investigations and appropriate management.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis reveals layer-specific methylation patterns in deer antler tissue

This paper explored using of deer antlers as a model for studying rapid growth and cartilage formation in mammals. The genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in antler chondrogenesis are poorly understood, however, previous research has suggested that DNA methylation played a key role in antler regeneration. By using fluorescence-labeled methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (F-MSAP), this study measured DNA methylation levels in cartilage (CA) and reserve mesenchyme (RM) cells and tissues. Results showed that RM cells (RMCs) DNA methylation levels were significantly lower than those of CA, suggesting that DNA demethylation may be involved in antler fast cartilage differentiation. The study also identified 20 methylated fragments specific to RMCs or CA using the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technique and confirmed these findings using southern blot analysis. The data provide the first experimental evidence of a link between epigenetic regulation and rapid cartilage differentiation in antlers.

The content of adipokines and myokines in the blood of children and adolescents with different genotypes according to the polymorphism rs662 of the paraoxonase-1 gene

BACKGROUND.Among the many causes of obesity, genetic factors occupy a special place. An obvious role among them belongs to the genetic polymorphism of lipid metabolism enzymes, including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1). Until now, the character of the relationship betweenPON-1polymorphism and the state of the endocrine function of mesenchymal tissues remains unclear. Its study will clarify the subtle mechanisms of the development of obesity in childhood and adolescence.AIM.The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship betweenPON-1polymorphism (rs662) and changes in the content of adipokines, myokines, and blood lipid metabolism in children and adolescents of different sexes with obesity.MATERIALSANDMETHODS.In 100 healthy children and adolescents of different sexes and 89 of their peers with obesity, a genetic study was conducted to assess the single nucleotide polymorphism of thePAO-1(rs662) genes. In blood serum, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose and aminotransferase activity (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) were determined by photometric methods, as well as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, irisin, adipsin, myostatin, FGF21, osteocrine, oncostatin and insulin — by multiplex ELISA, and asprosin — by ELISA ones.RESULTS.The patients with the homozygous Arg192/Arg allele, the development of complications of obesity in boys is limited and their occurrence in girls is prevented. In other variants ofPON-1polymorphism (Gln192/Gln and Gln192/Arg genotypes), protective mechanisms are formed in the body of girls aimed at preventing complications in obesity. In boys with the Gln192/Gln genotype, obesity reveals more pronounced shifts in lipid metabolism, manifestations of alteration and an increase in the mass of adipose tissue, and in boys-carriers of the heterozygous Gln192/Arg allele, atherogenesis processes increase.CONCLUSION.Polymorphism of the paraoxonase-1 gene (rs662) contributes to the appearance of gender differences in changes in the content of adipokines and myokines in the blood during obesity in childhood and adolescence.

Unusual Presentation of an Uncommon Malignancy: A 74-Year-Old Woman with Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Large Intestine Presenting as a Liver Mass and the Therapeutic Management.

BACKGROUND Desmoid tumors are a fibroblastic proliferation of soft tissues, with an extreme inclination for local dissemination and recurrence. Surgical excision is the usual treatment choice, with data regarding pharmaceutical treatment being scarce. CASE REPORT A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to "Laikon" General Hospital of Athens, Greece presenting with acute kidney injury secondary to diarrhea. The ultrasound, CT, and abdominal MRI performed showed a 12×6×10 cm tumorous liver lesion. Biopsy of the lesion revealed loosely organized, mesenchymal tissue with spindle cells, and myxoid stroma. Immunochemistry was positive for SMA and b-catenin. Right hemicolectomy was performed with tumor-free surgical margins (R0 resection) and tamoxifen was initiated. Six months after the last MRI (3 months after the use of tamoxifen), a follow-up MRI was performed. The tumor had increased to 14.2×11×12.3 cm, and at the next follow-up it had grown to 20.3×19 cm maximal dimensions; no new metastases were found. The patient received sorafenib and pazopanib. Our patient had PFS with sorafenib for more than 2 years and remained in a good performance status (ECOG 1). For Pazopanid, the median PFS for this treatment option was 6.5 months. CONCLUSIONS The results were good and show a promising method for the treatment of this rare but severe malignancy.

Calbindin Has a Potential Spatiotemporal Correlation with Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Postnatal Rat Kidney.

The protein calbindin-D28k modulates calcium reabsorption in the kidney. Here, we aimed to study the influence of proliferation and apoptosis in different compartments of the kidney on the developmental function of calbindin. Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the postnatal development of rats' kidneys by using calbindin, proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and apoptotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In the neonatal stage (1-day and 1-week-old rats), calbindin showed a positive reaction in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), a short nephron segment between the macula densa, collecting ducts, and tubules. Moreover, the localization of calbindin was restricted to immature nephrons and mesenchymal tissues. Furthermore, PCNA immunoreactivity was moderate in early-developed podocytes with no reactivity in other renal tubules. The ssDNA immunoreactivity was moderate in the undifferentiated nephron. Then, in the mature stage (3 and 6 weeks old), there was an intense calbindin reaction in DCT but a moderate reaction to PCNA and ssDNA in podocytes. A more intense calbindin reactivity was found in the adult stage (2- and 3-month-old rats) in DCT and collecting tubules. Therefore, in this study, calbindin localization showed an inverse relationship with PCNA and ssDNA of the nephron compartments, which might reflect the efficiency of bone-building and muscle contraction during animal development.

Morphological characteristics of beak-like tooth in spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) and mechanisms of dental development regulation by the Wnt, BMP, FGF and SHH signalling pathways

Oplegnathus punctatus is a fish species with beak-like tooth that feeds on algae, oysters, sea urchins, and other organisms attached to rocks. Currently, there are no research reports on the development and regulatory mechanisms of O. punctatus beak-like tooth. This present study firstly elucidated the nesting structure pattern of the beak-like tooth with dental formula (4, 15–16, 10–1) for O. punctatus. Four critical periods during early beak-like tooth development (28dph, 40dph, 50dph, 60dph) were also identified. In addition, 11 key genes (bmp2, bmpr2, smad1, wnt5a, msx, axin2, fgfr1a, fgfr2, pitx2, ptch1, cyp27a1) closely related to the development of beak-like tooth were discovered, with the highest expression levels in the initial stages of functional teeth and replacement teeth development, and expression in the mesenchymal and epithelial tissues of the teeth. Further research found that the cyp27a1 gene, related to vitamin D metabolism and calcium accumulation, was expressed in the maxilla and base of the tooth in O. punctatus. This study provides support for the biological theory of tooth development and healing and provides a reference for the adaptive evolution of tooth healing in special habitats.

Vertical transmission of African-lineage Zika virus through the fetal membranes in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) model.

Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus during pregnancy, resulting in a range of outcomes including severe birth defects and fetal/infant death. Potential pathways of vertical transmission in utero have been proposed but remain undefined. Identifying the timing and routes of vertical transmission of ZIKV may help us identify when interventions would be most effective. Furthermore, understanding what barriers ZIKV overcomes to effect vertical transmission may help improve models for evaluating infection by other pathogens during pregnancy. To determine the pathways of vertical transmission, we inoculated 12 pregnant rhesus macaques with an African-lineage ZIKV at gestational day 30 (term is 165 days). Eight pregnancies were surgically terminated at either seven or 14 days post-maternal infection. Maternal-fetal interface and fetal tissues and fluids were collected and evaluated for ZIKV using RT-qPCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and plaque assays. Four additional pregnant macaques were inoculated and terminally perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde at three, six, nine, or ten days post-maternal inoculation. For these four cases, the entire fixed pregnant uterus was evaluated with in situ hybridization for ZIKV RNA. We determined that ZIKV can reach the MFI by six days after infection and infect the fetus by ten days. Infection of the chorionic membrane and the extraembryonic coelomic fluid preceded infection of the fetus and the mesenchymal tissue of the placental villi. We did not find evidence to support a transplacental route of ZIKV vertical transmission via infection of syncytiotrophoblasts or villous cytotrophoblasts. The pattern of infection observed in the maternal-fetal interface provides evidence of paraplacental vertical ZIKV transmission through the chorionic membrane, the outer layer of the fetal membranes.

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint

When cartilage-like tissue is present in the synovial membrane of joints, it is known as synovial chondromatosis (SC). The main cause is believed to be the metaplasia of embryonal mesenchymal tissue in the synovial membrane. The metaplastic foci grow within the joint space and can detach from the synovial wall, forming free-floating bodies. While SC is more commonly associated with trauma in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the exact relationship between trauma and SC remains unclear. Improved diagnostic techniques, such as CT and MRI, have led to increased recognition of SC in the TMJ. Gender differences in the prevalence of TMJ SC have been observed, with women being more affected. Diagnosis involves imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and surgical removal of loose bodies is the preferred treatment. Arthroscopy is recommended for small, isolated loose bodies, while open surgery may be necessary for complete removal. Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence. Histopathological findings reveal a mixture of cartilage and bone, with ossification and calcification present.

A current insight into Human Knee Menisci

Menisci of the knee are semilunar-shaped structures located between the condyles of the femur and tibia, together with articular surfaces of the tibial condyles form the acetabulum of the knee joint. They have multiple functions, affecting the proper joint biomechanics, even though in the past they were perceived as embryonic remnants. Menisci are involved in such vital functions as: load bearing, joint stability, joint congruity, increasing joint contact area, decreasing joint contact stresses, protection of articular cartilage, shock absorption, lubrication, limitation of extreme movement and proprioception.Menisci arise from a condensation of the intermediate layer of mesenchymal tissue. At later stages of development, it is observed a gradual decrease in the cellularity of the structure and increase of the collagen fibers, where collagen type I is a major fibrillar component. The meniscus is composed of an extracellular matrix mainly filled with water (72%) and collagen (22%), with a minority of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, peptides, and local cells - fibrochondrocytes.When it comes to vascularization, two main areas are present in the structure of meniscus: red-red zone - vascular, white-white zone – rather avascular, and in between the red-white zone. Major vascularization is ensured by the popliteal artery branches: medial, lateral and middle geniculate arteries. It was shown that meniscus can be vascularized in each zone, what is linked with the hypovascular zone regenerative potential. The vascularization pattern and nutritional status of a torn meniscus and the morphological pattern of the tear are crucial factors determining the success of a meniscus surgery. The healing potential of a torn meniscus is directly dependent on its blood supply.At present, it is known that proper performance of the knee joint is directly proportional to the amount of meniscus tissue. Their involvement in the multiple important functions leads to modern solutions focused on saving meniscus tissue.

Intravitreal injection of FGF and TGF-β inhibitors disrupts cranial cartilage development

Cartilage development is a tightly regulated process that requires the interaction of epithelial and mesenchymal tissues layers to initiate the aggregation of mesenchyme in a condensation. Several signaling molecules have been implicated in cartilage formation including FGFs, WNTs, and members of the TGF-β super family. However, little is known about the earliest signals involved in these initial phases of development. Here we aimed to investigate whether direct intravitreal injection of pharmaceutical inhibitors for FGF and TGF-β signaling would perturb cranial cartilages in zebrafish. Via wholemount bone and cartilage staining, we found effects on multiple cranial cartilage elements. We found no effect on scleral cartilage development, however, the epiphyseal bar, basihyal, and basicapsular cartilages were disrupted. Interestingly, the epiphyseal bar arises from the same progenitor pool as the scleral cartilage, namely, the periocular ectomesenchyme. This study adds to the foundational knowledge about condensation induction of cranial cartilage development and provides insight into the timing and signaling involved in the early development of several craniofacial cartilage elements in zebrafish.

Solitary fibrous tumor of pleura presenting as respiratory failure: unusual presentation of a rare tumor

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs) are rare primary pleural tumors derived from sub-mesothelial mesenchymal tissue that are mostly incidentally diagnosed in asymptomatic subjects. Symptomatic SFTPs usually present with dry cough and chest pain. We report the case of a 55-year-old lady with a 9-month history of shortness of breath, right-sided chest pain, and heaviness, who presented to our institute with hypercapnic respiratory failure and later required invasive mechanical ventilation. Subsequent radiological and histopathological investigations led to the diagnosis of a benign SFTP occupying almost the entire right hemithorax. She was treated with complete surgical resection by thoracotomy resulting in immediate resumption of adequate ventilation in the postoperative period. We emphasize the importance of large pleural tumors as a rare but reversible cause of hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Multi-omic analysis of mandibuloacral dysplasia type A patient iPSC-derived MSC senescence reveals miR-311 as a novel biomarker for MSC senescence.

Mandibuloacral dysplasia type A (MADA) is a rare genetic progeroid syndrome associated with lamin A/C (LMNA) mutations. Pathogenic mutations of LMNA result in nuclear structural abnormalities, mesenchymal tissue damage and progeria phenotypes. However, it remains elusive how LMNA mutations cause mesenchymal-derived cell senescence and disease development. Here, we established an in vitro senescence model using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) from MADA patients with homozygous LMNA p.R527C mutation. When expanded to passage 13 in vitro, R527C iMSCs exhibited marked senescence and attenuation of stemness potential, accompanied by immunophenotypic changes. Transcriptome and proteome analysis revealed that cell cycle, DNA replication, cell adhesion and inflammation might play important roles in senescence. In-depth evaluation of changes in extracellular vesicle (EV) derived iMSCs during senescence revealed that R527C iMSC-EVs could promote surrounding cell senescence by carrying pro-senescence microRNAs (miRNAs), including a novel miRNA called miR-311, which can serve as a new indicator for detecting chronic and acute mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) senescence and play a role in promoting senescence. Overall, this study advanced our understanding of the impact of LMNA mutations on MSC senescence and provided novel insights into MADA therapy as well as the link between chronic inflammation and aging development.

Coating 3D-printed bioceramics with histatin promotes adhesion and osteogenesis of stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cell and 3D printing-based bone tissue engineering present a promising technique to repair large-volume bone defects. Its success is highly dependent on cell attachment, spreading, osteogenic differentiation and in-vivo survival of stem cells on 3D printed scaffolds. In this study, we adopted a human salivary histatin-1 (Hst1) as a cell-targeting strategy to enhance the interactions of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) on 3D printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds. Fluorescent images showed that Hst1 significantly enhanced the total numbers and surface area of hASCs on both bio-inert glass and 3D printed β-TCP scaffold. In addition, Hst1 was associated with significantly higher proliferation, alkaline phosphate staining on 3D printed β-TCP scaffolds than the control. Subsequently, the small animal imaging showed that the fluorescent densities of the Hst1-treated hASC/3D printed TCP constructs were always significantly higher than those of the control. The specific inhibitors of ERK and p38 but not JNK signaling significantly inhibited the adhesion of hASCs. Hst1 promoted total fluorescent intensities of talin, vinculin and paxillin per cell. In conclusion, Hst1 could significantly promote the adhesion, spreading, osteogenic differentiation and in-vivo survival of hASCs on 3D printed β-TCP scaffolds, bearing a promising application potential in stem cell/3D printing-based bone tissue engineering.

Clinicopathological study and management of masses in the sinonasal cavity and nasopharynx: a case series of 42 cases

BackgroundDifferent types of space-occupying lesions can arise from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. They can be neoplastic (benign and malignant) or nonneoplastic lesions producing wide range of clinical symptoms. The correlations of clinical, radiological and histopathological findings are necessary in these types of cases.The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical behaviours of sinonasal cavity and nasopharyngeal masses, to correlate the radiological and pathological findings of masses, to evaluate the methods for early diagnosis of masses and to determine and evaluate the outcome of sinonasal cavity and nasopharyngeal masses following various modalities of treatment.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Vadodara, Gujarat. A total 42 cases were included in the study. Clinical, demographic, radiological and histopathological details were noted in each case. Follow-up period was about 3 months to 18 months in the study.ObservationA total 42 cases were included in the study with 20 benign neoplastic lesions, 19 malignant lesions, and 3 nonneoplastic lesions. The incidence was noted between 8 and 75 years of age with a male to female ratio of 2:23. Angiofibroma was the most common benign neoplastic lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant lesion noted. Thirty-three patients were successfully operated for the excision of tumour. The most common symptom was nasal obstruction present in 66.67% of cases followed by swelling over local site in 62% of cases followed by nasal discharge in our study.DiscussionThe nasal cavity contains different types of epithelial (squamous, neural, olfactory) and mesenchymal (bone, cartilage, muscle and vascular) tissues. Tumours can arise from any of these tissues. Symptomatology is indistinguishable from nasal polypi, chronic rhinosinusitis and granulomatous diseases of the nose. Utmost care is needed in the examination and diagnosis of these cases before starting the treatment.ConclusionClinical, radiological and histopathological correlations are necessary in sinonasal masses as it will be helpful in deciding the treatment plan and any adjunctive treatment if necessary like chemoradiation in malignant lesions. Continuous follow-up is also necessary to look for patency of nasal cavity, any complication and recurrence.

Demographic and histopathologic study of soft tissue lesions in a tertiary care hospital in South India

The term soft tissue tumors (STT) encompass a wide range of tumors arising from the mesenchymal tissues. In this study, we have retrospectively analysed the various STTs occurring in the Department of Pathology and included all cases with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of soft tissue lesions received during the study period of January 2018 – December 2019. These cases were further analysed for the site of the lesion, number of lesions, age and gender of the patients and the results tabulated. A total of 207 cases of soft tissue tumors with confirmed histopathological diagnosis were included in this study. The male: female ratio was 1.1:1. It was observed that most of the soft tissue tumors were seen in the 31-40 years age group (33%) followed by the 41-50 years age group (21%). The most common histopathologic subtype of tumors were of adipocytic origin (61%). Malignant morphology was observed in 2.4% of the cases. Soft tissue tumors are not uncommon tumors and account for 5.2% of cases among the routine histopathological specimens. This study is presented here to understand the demography and the spectrum of soft tissue tumors observed in a tertiary care centre.